Reconfiguring interrelationships between components of virtual computing networks

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the present invention relate to an approach for reconfiguring interrelationships between components of virtual computing networks (e.g., a grid computing network, a local area network (LAN), a cloud computing network, etc.). In a typical embodiment, a set of information pertaining to a set of components associated with a virtual computing network is received in a computer memory medium or the like. Based on the set of information, a graphical representation (e.g., hierarchical tree) depicting the set of interrelationships between the set of components is generated. When a failure in the virtual computing network is detected, at least one of the set of interrelationships between the set of components is reconfigured based on the graphical representation and the set of rules to address the failure.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present patent document is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/406,847, filed Feb. 28, 2012, entitled “RECONFIGURINGINTERRELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN COMPONENTS OF VIRTUAL COMPUTING NETWORKS”,the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

In general, embodiments of the present invention relate to thereconfiguration of components of virtual computing networks.Specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to thereconfiguration of interrelationships between components of virtualcomputing networks (e.g., a grid computing network, a local area network(LAN), a cloud computing network, etc.).

BACKGROUND

Generating an understanding of interactions between components ofvirtual computing networks as the components relate to physical systemsand virtual machines may be a complex matter. Generally, network routingtables and data may reside on networking devices, and informationregarding virtual machines may reside inside a virtualization engine.Challenges may exist, however, in that this information may be stored indisparate locations and may not be easily correlated. In addition, bothswitches and servers may utilize virtualized resources. When a physicalfailure occurs, it may be difficult to correlate the virtual resourcesin both the servers and the switches with physical resources todetermine an appropriate corrective action.

SUMMARY

In general, embodiments of the present invention relate to an approachfor reconfiguring interrelationships between components of virtualcomputing networks (e.g., a grid computing network, a local area network(LAN), a cloud computing network, etc.). In a typical embodiment, a setof information pertaining to a set of components associated with avirtual computing network is received in a computer memory medium or thelike. In general, the set of components may comprise a set of servers, aset of ports, a set of switches, a set of virtual machines (VMs), etc.The set of information may describe a set of interrelationships betweenthe set of components. Regardless, based on the set of information, agraphical representation (e.g., hierarchical tree) depicting the set ofinterrelationships between the set of components is generated. When afailure in the virtual computing network is detected, at least one ofthe set of interrelationships between the set of components isreconfigured based on the graphical representation and a set of rules toaddress the failure.

A first aspect of the present invention provides a computer-implementedmethod for reconfiguring interrelationships between a set of componentsof a virtual computing network, comprising: receiving, in a computermemory medium, a set of information pertaining to the set of componentsassociated with the virtual computing network, the set of componentscomprising a set of servers, a set of ports, a set of switches and a setof virtual machines (VMs), and the set of information describing a setof interrelationships between the set of components; generating, basedon the set of information, a graphical representation depicting the setof interrelationships between the set of components; detecting a failurein the virtual computing network; and reconfiguring, responsive to thefailure, at least one of the set of interrelationships between the setof components based on the graphical representation and a set of rules.

A second aspect of the present invention provides a system forreconfiguring interrelationships between a set of components of avirtual computing network, comprising: a memory medium comprisinginstructions; a bus coupled to the memory medium; and a processorcoupled to the bus that when executing the instructions causes thesystem to: receive, in a computer memory medium, a set of informationpertaining to the set of components associated with the virtualcomputing network, the set of components comprising a set of servers, aset of ports, a set of switches and a set of virtual machines (VMs), andthe set of information describing a set of interrelationships betweenthe set of components; generate, based on the set of information, agraphical representation depicting the set of interrelationships betweenthe set of components; detect a failure in the virtual computingnetwork; and reconfigure, responsive to the failure, at least one of theset of interrelationships between the set of components based on thegraphical representation and a set of rules.

A third aspect of the present invention provides a computer programproduct for reconfiguring interrelationships between a set of componentsof a virtual computing network, the computer program product comprisinga computer readable storage media, and program instructions stored onthe computer readable storage media, to: receive, in a computer memorymedium, a set of information pertaining to the set of componentsassociated with the virtual computing network, the set of componentscomprising a set of servers, a set of ports, a set of switches and a setof virtual machines (VMs), and the set of information describing a setof interrelationships between the set of components; generate, based onthe set of information, a graphical representation depicting the set ofinterrelationships between the set of components; detect a failure inthe virtual computing network; and reconfigure, responsive to thefailure, at least one of the set of interrelationships between the setof components based on a set of rules.

A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a method for deployinga system for reconfiguring interrelationships between a set ofcomponents of a virtual computing network, comprising: deploying acomputer infrastructure being operable to: receive, in a computer memorymedium, a set of information pertaining to the set of componentsassociated with the virtual computing network, the set of componentscomprising a set of servers, a set of ports, a set of switches and a setof virtual machines (VMs), and the set of information describing a setof interrelationships between the set of components; generate, based onthe set of information, a graphical representation depicting the set ofinterrelationships between the set of components; detect a failure inthe virtual computing network; and reconfigure, responsive to thefailure, at least one of the set of interrelationships between the setof components based on the graphical representation and a set of rules.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features of this invention will be more readilyunderstood from the following detailed description of the variousaspects of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a computing node according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 depicts a system diagram according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 3 depicts a first flow diagram according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 4 depicts a hierarchical tree according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 5 depicts another method flow diagram according to an embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 6 depicts another hierarchical tree according to an embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 7 depicts another hierarchical tree according to an embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 8 depicts another hierarchical tree according to an embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 9 depicts another hierarchical tree according to an embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 10 depicts another hierarchical tree according to an embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 11 depicts another hierarchical tree according to an embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 12 depicts a representation of servers and virtual machinesaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 depicts a representation of virtual machines and associatedstorage systems according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 depicts a representation of virtual machines and their virtualnetwork according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 depicts a representation of virtual machines and theirconsumption of resources within a physical server according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 depicts another method flow diagram according to an embodimentof the present invention.

The drawings are not necessarily to scale. The drawings are merelyschematic representations, not intended to portray specific parametersof the invention. The drawings are intended to depict only typicalembodiments of the invention, and therefore should not be considered aslimiting the scope of the invention. In the drawings, like numberingrepresents like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Illustrative embodiments will now be described more fully herein withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodimentsare shown. This disclosure may, however, be embodied in many differentforms and should not be construed as limited to the exemplaryembodiments set forth herein. Rather, these exemplary embodiments areprovided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and willfully convey the scope of this disclosure to those skilled in the art.In the description, details of well-known features and techniques may beomitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the presented embodiments.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this disclosure.As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. Furthermore, the use of the terms “a”, “an”, etc., do notdenote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of atleast one of the referenced items. The word “set” is intended to mean aquantity of at least one. It will be further understood that the terms“comprises” and/or “comprising”, or “includes” and/or “including”, whenused in this specification, specify the presence of stated features,regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, butdo not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features,regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/orgroups thereof.

As mentioned above, embodiments of the present invention relate to anapproach for reconfiguring interrelationships between components ofvirtual computing networks (e.g., a grid computing network, a local areanetwork (LAN), a cloud computing network, etc.). In a typicalembodiment, a set of information pertaining to a set of componentsassociated with a virtual computing network is received in a computermemory medium or the like. In general, the set of components maycomprise a set of servers, a set of ports, a set of switches, a set ofvirtual machines (VMs), etc. The set of information may describe a setof interrelationships between the set of components. Regardless, basedon the set of information, a graphical representation (e.g.,hierarchical tree) depicting the set of interrelationships between theset of components is generated. When a failure in the virtual computingnetwork is detected, at least one of the set of interrelationshipsbetween the set of components is reconfigured based on the graphicalrepresentation and the set of rules to address the failure.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a schematic of an example of a computing nodeis shown. Computing node 10 is only one example of a suitable computingnode and is not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope ofuse or functionality of embodiments of the invention described herein.Regardless, computing node 10 is capable of being implemented and/orperforming any of the functionality set forth hereinabove.

In computing node 10, there is a computer system/server 12, which isoperational with numerous other general purpose or special purposecomputing system environments or configurations. Examples of well-knowncomputing systems, environments, and/or configurations that may besuitable for use with computer system/server 12 include, but are notlimited to, personal computer systems, server computer systems, thinclients, thick clients, hand-held or laptop devices, mobile devices,global positioning systems (GPS), GPS-enable devices, multiprocessorsystems, microprocessor-based systems, set top boxes, programmableconsumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputer systems, mainframecomputer systems, and distributed computing environments that includeany of the above systems or devices, and the like.

Computer system/server 12 may be described in the general context ofcomputer system-executable instructions, such as program modules, beingexecuted by a computer system. Generally, program modules may includeroutines, programs, objects, components, logic, data structures, and soon, that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract datatypes. Computer system/server 12 may be practiced in distributedcomputing environments where tasks are performed by remote processingdevices that are linked through a communications network. In adistributed computing environment, program modules may be located inboth local and remote computer system storage media including memorystorage devices.

As shown in FIG. 1, computer system/server 12 in computing node 10 isshown in the form of a general-purpose computing device. The componentsof computer system/server 12 may include, but are not limited to, one ormore processors or processing units 16, a system memory 28, and a bus 18that couples various system components including system memory 28 toprocessor 16.

Bus 18 represents one or more of any of several types of bus structures,including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, anaccelerated graphics port, and a processor or local bus using any of avariety of bus architectures. By way of example, and not limitation,such architectures include Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus,Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, VideoElectronics Standards Association (VESA) local bus, and PeripheralComponent Interconnects (PCI) bus.

Computer system/server 12 typically includes a variety of computersystem readable media. Such media may be any available media that isaccessible by computer system/server 12, and it includes both volatileand non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media.

System memory 28 can include computer system readable media in the formof volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM) 30 and/or cachememory 32. Computer system/server 12 may further include otherremovable/non-removable, volatile/non-volatile computer system storagemedia. By way of example only, storage system 34 can be provided forreading from and writing to a non-removable, non-volatile magnetic media(not shown and typically called a “hard drive”). Although not shown, amagnetic disk drive for reading from and writing to a removable,non-volatile magnetic disk (e.g., a “floppy disk”), and an optical diskdrive for reading from or writing to a removable, non-volatile opticaldisk such as a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, or other optical media can be provided.In such instances, each can be connected to bus 18 by one or more datamedia interfaces. As will be further depicted and described below,memory 28 may include at least one program product having a set (e.g.,at least one) of program modules that are configured to carry out thefunctions of embodiments of the invention.

The embodiments of the invention may be implemented as a computerreadable signal medium, which may include a propagated data signal withcomputer readable program code embodied therein (e.g., in baseband or aspart of a carrier wave). Such a propagated signal may take any of avariety of forms including, but not limited to, electro-magnetic,optical, or any suitable combination thereof. A computer readable signalmedium may be any computer readable medium that is not a computerreadable storage medium and that can communicate, propagate, ortransport a program for use by or in connection with an instructionexecution system, apparatus, or device.

Program code embodied on a computer readable medium may be transmittedusing any appropriate medium including, but not limited to, wireless,wireline, optical fiber cable, radio-frequency (RF), etc., or anysuitable combination of the foregoing.

Program/utility 40, having a set (at least one) of program modules 42,may be stored in memory 28 by way of example, and not limitation, aswell as an operating system, one or more application programs, otherprogram modules, and program data. In general, program 40 performs thefunction of the present invention as described herein. For example,program 40 will: receive, in a computer memory medium, a set ofinformation pertaining to the set of components associated with thevirtual computing network, the set of components comprising a set ofservers, a set of ports, a set of switches and a set of virtual machines(VMs), and the set of information describing a set of interrelationshipsbetween the set of components; generate, based on the set ofinformation, a graphical representation depicting the set ofinterrelationships between the set of components; detect a failure(e.g., failure of a communication link between at least two of the setof components) in the virtual computing network; reconfigure, responsiveto the failure, at least one of the set of interrelationships betweenthe set of components based on a set of rules.

Along these lines, the set of information may be obtained from the setof switches, and the set of information may comprise at least one of thefollowing: a set of routing tables, a virtual computing networkconfiguration port mapping, or a Media Address Control (MAC) address toa set of Internet Protocol (IP) tables. Further, the set of informationmay be further obtained from the set of servers, and the set ofinformation may further comprise at least one of the following: a set ofmappings between the set of VMs and the set of switches, a set ofmappings between the set of switches and the set of ports, or a set ofmappings interbetween the set of ports. Moreover, the virtual computingnetwork may comprise any type of virtual computing network such as agrid computing network, a cloud computing network, a virtual local areanetwork (VLAN), a virtual private network, etc. Further the set of portsmay comprise at least one virtual port and at least one physical port.

As will be further shown below, the graphical representation maycomprise a hierarchical tree having a set of nodes corresponding to theset of components. The set of rules may comprise an ordered set ofcriteria for determining which interrelationships between the set ofcomponents to reconfigure so that the set of components remainsaccessible despite the failure.

Each of the operating system, one or more application programs, otherprogram modules, and program data or some combination thereof, mayinclude an implementation of a networking environment. Program modules42 generally carry out the functions and/or methodologies of embodimentsof the invention as described herein.

Computer system/server 12 may also communicate with one or more externaldevices 14 such as a keyboard, a pointing device, a display 24, etc.;one or more devices that enable a consumer to interact with computersystem/server 12; and/or any devices (e.g., network card, modem, etc.)that enable computer system/server 12 to communicate with one or moreother computing devices. Such communication can occur via I/O interfaces22. Still yet, computer system/server 12 can communicate with one ormore networks such as a local area network (LAN), a general wide areanetwork (WAN), and/or a public network (e.g., the Internet) via networkadapter 20. As depicted, network adapter 20 communicates with the othercomponents of computer system/server 12 via bus 18. It should beunderstood that although not shown, other hardware and/or softwarecomponents could be used in conjunction with computer system/server 12.Examples include, but are not limited to: microcode, device drivers,redundant processing units, external disk drive arrays, RAID systems,tape drives, and data archival storage systems, etc.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a system diagram according to an embodiment ofthe present invention is shown. As depicted, FIG. 2 comprises managementconsole 50 communicating with a set of servers 52A-N having a set ofvirtual machines (VMs) 54A-N, a set of virtual switches 56A-N, and asupervisor 58. Management console 50 further communicates with a networkswitch 60 that itself comprises a set of virtual local area networks(VLANS) 62A-N and a supervisor 60. In general, management console 50 maycomprise program/utility 40 as shown in FIG. 1. That is, managementconsole 50 may interact with supervisors 58 and 64 to implement theteachings recited herein.

In general, in a typical embodiment: the connections between the VMs54A-N and the virtual switches 56A-N may be virtual; the connectionsbetween the servers 52A-N and the network switch 60 may be physical; theVLANs 62A-N created by the network switch 60 may be virtual; and thesupervisors 58 and 64A-N represent the management/administrativefunctions within the respective equipment.

As will be further discussed below, management console 50 will configurethe linking of disparate data sources (e.g., server VLAN data, switchVLAN data, VMs, virtual switches, etc.) into an interconnectedinformation set, rendering the information into a hierarchical tree(e.g., human readable representation) that is used to identify alternatelogical and physical paths between systems to mitigate communicationspath failures. Then a process to use the interconnection information setto reconfigure the infrastructure based on pre-defined business rules inthe presence of a failure may be provided. In one example, the businessrule is reconfigured based on lowest cost, and/or fastest links, and/orminimum reliability of connections.

Among other things, embodiments of the present invention obtaininformation from switch and server configuration tables, and then byapplication of algorithms set forth below, derives key relationshipswithin the data. The embodiments set forth therein then render theinformation in a format that can be understood and acted upon. Upon ahardware failure, the invention determines a “fix” to the failure, basedon predefined business rules and then reconfigures the infrastructure.

A. Generation of a Hierarchical Tree Representation

In a typical embodiment, management console 50 will obtain variouspieces of information and construct a tree representation of the data.FIG. 3 depicts a method flow diagram of this process. The process isstarted in step R1. In step R2, the following information is obtainedfrom network switch 60 (e.g., by management console 50):

-   -   routing Tables (IP subnet to physical switch port relationship)    -   VLAN Configuration (VLAN ID to Switch Physical Port        relationship)    -   MAC Configuration (switch port's MAC address to IP subnet        associated to the port)        In step R3, management console 50 will also obtain from servers        52A-N, the following information:    -   virtual server machine to virtual server switch relationship 16    -   virtual server switch to server physical port relationship    -   virtual server switch to virtual server port relationship    -   virtual server port to physical server port mapping        In step R4, a hierarchical tree representation depicting the        interrelationships between the network components is generated        before the process is ended in step R5.

The following is some illustrative pseudo code for this process: Methodstep details for Block: Construct a tree representation of the data.

Loop: For each VLAN in switch configuration table,

-   -   make a 1st layer (VLAN) node in the tree.        -   Loop: For each physical switch port,            -   make a 2nd layer (physical switch port) node and link                node to the 1st layer (VLAN) node.        -   Loop: For each physical port associated with the server,            -   make a 3rd layer (Vswitch) node and link node to the 2nd                layer (physical switch port) node.        -   Loop: For each Vswitch associated with the server,            -   make a 4th layer (virtual machine) node and link node to                the 3rd layer (Vswitch) node.

The result of the above-described process is a tree graph linking theVMs to their associated VLANs overlaid with their physical attributes.An example of a tree graph so generated is illustrated in FIG. 4. It isnoted in advance that FIG. 4 and the Figures that follow depict apossible tree-like representation and that other alternatives can begenerated hereunder. In any event, as depicted, representation 70comprises a tree-like diagram depicting the interrelationships/linksbetween multiple components. As shown, at the root of tree 72 is VLAN1,which interacts with servers 74A-B by being linked/is coupled tophysical ports 76A-D. Physical ports 76A-D can be coupled/linked tovirtual switches 78A-D, which themselves can be coupled/linked to VMs80A-D. In the event of a failure of any of the linkages shown in FIG. 4,representation 70 provides a snapshot view of possible reconfigurationalternatives.

B. Reconfiguration Alternatives

This section will discuss possible ways a networked computingenvironment (or the interrelationship between the components thereof)can be reconfigured in the event of a failure. Specifically, the flowchart of FIG. 5 illustrates the reconfiguration method steps. In thisflow chart the following terms are used:

-   -   Failed_Physical_Links—a physical layer network connection that        is down or not functioning and thus preventing data flow.    -   New_Physical_Port—a physical network interface that is connected        to the VLAN and available for use by a Vswitch.    -   Previous Vswitch—a Vswitch that has VMs that are attached.    -   Replacement Vswitch—A newly created or already created Vswitch        that can be utilized by VMs.        It is understood in advance that a “connection failure” is not        limited to a physical failure (e.g., a physical wire).        Connection failures may be the result of a logical failure        (e.g., a mis-configuration, a software error, a database error,        etc.). The embodiments of the present invention are intended to        be applicable to all types of failures, not just physical.

The process starts in step S1, and in step S2, it is determined whetherthere is a Failed_Physical_Links. If not, the process returns. If so,the process proceeds to step S3 where it is determined whether there isanother physical port attached to the VLAN. If not, the process ends instep S4. If so, a New_Physical_Port is chosen in step S5 based on a setof business rules. In performing step S5, the determination of whichlink within the interconnection information to be set is based on theinfrastructure administrator defining an ordered set of criteria withthe selection based on a best choice. For example, if link costs were tobe minimized, each link would have an associated cost, and the methodwould systematically search for the lowest cost link among the possibleinterconnection. Searching for the lowest cost link among a set of linksis known and declared enabling art. For example, if remaining linkcapacity were used, such that each VM would be allocated to the nextmost available link, each link would have an associated spare capacitymeasure, and the method would systematically search for the largestspare compactly. It would then, in turn, assign the VMs to the links.

Regardless, in step S6, the tree representation is searched, and thevirtual switches that are using the physical port on theFailed_Physical_Link are moved to the New_Physical_Port. In step S7, thetree representation is searched and any VMs that are associated with theprevious virtual switch are moved to a replacement virtual switch. Instep S8, the tree representation is then rebuilt based on the newconfiguration before the process is ended in step S9.

Referring now to FIGS. 6-11, the concepts presented hereinabove will beshown and described in greater detail. FIG. 6 shows tree representation70 where VMs 80C-D are no longer accessible. As depicted, in FIG. 7,this can occur due to a failure of physical link 84C, which wouldprevent accessibility to VMs 80C-D. As shown in FIG. 8, VMs 80C-D can bekept in service by reconfiguring virtual switch 78C to connect tophysical port 76D. FIG. 9 shows another approach whereby VMs 80C-D arereconfigured to couple to virtual switch 78B in server 74A. FIG. 10shows yet another approach whereby VMs 80C-D are reconfigured to coupleto virtual switch 78D while virtual switch 78C (not shown) was removedfrom service. FIG. 11 shows a hybrid approach whereby VM 80C isreconfigured to couple to virtual switch 78B of server 74A, while VM 80Dis reconfigured to couple to virtual switch 78D of server 74B. In any ofthe cases shown in FIGS. 8-11, both VMs 80C-D affected by the failurewere able to be kept in service due to a graphical understanding of theoverall system and the interrelationships between the components madepossible hereunder.

It is understood that reconfiguration decisions in moving to a newserver can be based on available link capacity, server capacity, memorycapacity, CPU utilization, power usage, cost, proximity to related VMs,and physical separation requirement for different VMs. It is understoodthat additional considerations may be used to determine thereconfiguration decision.

C. Additional Embodiments

With the information obtained in building the tree representation,augmented by ancillary information obtained by existing query methods,the following representations of the information can be rendered. Usingthese representations, additional functions and services can beachieved.

Referring now to FIG. 12, a representation 100 of servers 102 andvirtual machines 104 are instantiated on the servers along with theirattributes (e.g., memory usage, core usage, uptime, total CPU time, I/Ocounts, operating system (OS) type, power type, etc.). Representation100 enables the capturing key of server data points to allow decisionsto be made on moving virtual machines to another server based on theattribute gathered.

Referring now to FIG. 13, a representation 110 of storage systems 112and their associated virtual systems 114 along with their attributes(e.g., storage association, remaining disk space, block size, storagelocation, storage speed, storage reliability/failure recovery, etc.) isshown. Representation 100 enables the capturing of key data storagepoints associated with each virtual machine it enables to allowdecisions to be made on tuning storage parameters and allocations toimprove the overall operating environment.

Referring now to FIG. 14, a representation 120 of virtual networks 122and their associated virtual machines 124 along with their attributes(e.g., IP address, gateway error, bit error rate uptime, link rate,usage information, etc.) is shown. Representation 120 enables thecapturing key virtual network data points to allow operational decisionsto be made on balancing network load and routing around highly utilizedenvironments, and enables reconfiguration decisions to be proactivelymade.

Referring now to FIG. 15, a representation 130 of virtual machines 134and their consumption of real resource within the physical server (“i”)132, along with their attributes (e.g., health indicator of the physicalresource for memory, disk space, CPU availability, network bandwidth,etc.) is shown. Representation 130 enables the capturing of key virtualmachine data points as these data points relate to real physical serverto allow operational decisions to be made on balancing load and routingaround highly utilized environments, and enables reconfigurationdecisions to be proactively made.

Referring now to FIG. 16, a method flow diagram according to anembodiment of the present invention is shown (e.g., as enabled by engine50 of FIG. 2). As depicted, in step T1, a set of information pertainingto a set of components associated with a virtual computing network isreceived. As indicated above, the set of components may comprise a setof servers, a set of ports, a set of switches and a set of virtualmachines (VMs), and the set of information describing a set ofinterrelationships between the set of components. In step T2, agraphical representation depicting the set of interrelationships betweenthe set of components is generated based on the set of information. Instep T3, a failure in the virtual computing network is detected. In stepT4, responsive to the failure, at least one of the set ofinterrelationships between the set of components is reconfigured basedon a set of rules.

While shown and described herein as an interrelationship reconfigurationsolution, it is understood that the invention further provides variousalternative embodiments. For example, in one embodiment, the inventionprovides a computer-readable/usable medium that includes computerprogram code to enable a computer infrastructure to provideinterrelationship reconfiguration functionality as discussed herein. Tothis extent, the computer-readable/usable medium includes program codethat implements each of the various processes of the invention. It isunderstood that the terms computer-readable medium or computer-usablemedium comprise one or more of any type of physical embodiment of theprogram code. In particular, the computer-readable/usable medium cancomprise program code embodied on one or more portable storage articlesof manufacture (e.g., a compact disc, a magnetic disk, a tape, etc.), onone or more data storage portions of a computing device, such as memory28 (FIG. 1) and/or storage system 34 (FIG. 1) (e.g., a fixed disk, aread-only memory, a random access memory, a cache memory, etc.).

In another embodiment, the invention provides a method that performs theprocess of the invention on a subscription, advertising, and/or feebasis. That is, a service provider, such as a Solution Integrator, couldoffer to provide interrelationship reconfiguration functionality. Inthis case, the service provider can create, maintain, support, etc., acomputer infrastructure, such as computer system 12 (FIG. 1) thatperforms the processes of the invention for one or more consumers. Inreturn, the service provider can receive payment from the consumer(s)under a subscription and/or fee agreement and/or the service providercan receive payment from the sale of advertising content to one or morethird parties.

In still another embodiment, the invention provides acomputer-implemented method for interrelationship reconfiguration. Inthis case, a computer infrastructure, such as computer system 12 (FIG.1), can be provided and one or more systems for performing the processesof the invention can be obtained (e.g., created, purchased, used,modified, etc.) and deployed to the computer infrastructure. To thisextent, the deployment of a system can comprise one or more of: (1)installing program code on a computing device, such as computer system12 (FIG. 1), from a computer-readable medium; (2) adding one or morecomputing devices to the computer infrastructure; and (3) incorporatingand/or modifying one or more existing systems of the computerinfrastructure to enable the computer infrastructure to perform theprocesses of the invention.

As used herein, it is understood that the terms “program code” and“computer program code” are synonymous and mean any expression, in anylanguage, code, or notation, of a set of instructions intended to causea computing device having an information processing capability toperform a particular function either directly or after either or both ofthe following: (a) conversion to another language, code, or notation;and/or (b) reproduction in a different material form. To this extent,program code can be embodied as one or more of: an application/softwareprogram, component software/a library of functions, an operating system,a basic device system/driver for a particular computing device, and thelike.

A data processing system suitable for storing and/or executing programcode can be provided hereunder and can include at least one processorcommunicatively coupled, directly or indirectly, to memory elementsthrough a system bus. The memory elements can include, but are notlimited to, local memory employed during actual execution of the programcode, bulk storage, and cache memories that provide temporary storage ofat least some program code in order to reduce the number of times codemust be retrieved from bulk storage during execution. Input/outputand/or other external devices (including, but not limited to, keyboards,displays, pointing devices, etc.) can be coupled to the system eitherdirectly or through intervening device controllers.

Network adapters also may be coupled to the system to enable the dataprocessing system to become coupled to other data processing systems,remote printers, storage devices, and/or the like, through anycombination of intervening private or public networks. Illustrativenetwork adapters include, but are not limited to, modems, cable modems,and Ethernet cards.

The foregoing description of various aspects of the invention has beenpresented for purposes of illustration and description. It is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise formdisclosed and, obviously, many modifications and variations arepossible. Such modifications and variations that may be apparent to aperson skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scopeof the invention as defined by the accompanying claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A computer-implemented method for reconfiguringinterrelationships between a set of components of a virtual computingnetwork, comprising: receiving, in a computer memory medium, a set ofinformation pertaining to an entirety of the set of componentsassociated with the virtual computing network, the set of componentscomprising a set of physical servers, a set of ports, a set of virtualswitches and a set of virtual machines (VMs), and the set of informationdescribing a set of interrelationships between the set of components;generating, based on the set of information, a graphical representationdepicting a visual representation of each of the set of components and avisual link illustrating each interrelationship of the set ofinterrelationships between individual components of the set ofcomponents, the graphical representation comprising a hierarchical treecomprising a set of nodes, each node of the set of nodes in thehierarchical tree corresponding to a component in the set of components,the hierarchical tree being formed by: making, for each virtual localarea network (VLAN) in the virtual computing network, a first layer nodein the hierarchical tree; making, for each of the set of ports in thevirtual computing network, a second layer node and a link to acorresponding first layer node; making, for each of the set of virtualswitches in the virtual computing network, a third layer node and a linkto a corresponding second layer node; and making, for each of the set ofvirtual machines in the virtual computing network, a fourth layer nodeand a link to a corresponding third layer node; detecting a failure inthe virtual computing network resulting in an inability to access avirtual machine of the set of virtual machines; and automaticallyreconfiguring, responsive to the failure, at least one of the set ofinterrelationships between the set of components based on at least onevisual link in the graphical representation and a predetermined set ofrules.
 2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, the set ofinformation being obtained from the set of virtual switches, and the setof information comprising at least one of the following: a set ofrouting tables, a virtual computing network configuration port mapping,or a Media Address Control (MAC) address to a set of Internet Protocol(IP) tables.
 3. The computer-implemented method of claim 2, the set ofinformation being further obtained from the set of physical servers, andthe set of information further comprising at least one of the following:a set of mappings between the set of VMs and the set of virtualswitches, a set of mappings between the set of virtual switches and theset of ports, or a set of mappings interbetween the set of ports.
 4. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 1, the virtual computing networkcomprising a virtual local area network (VLAN), and the set of portscomprising at least one virtual port and at least one physical port. 5.The computer-implemented method of claim 1, the set of rules comprisingan ordered set of criteria for determining which interrelationshipsbetween the set of components to reconfigure so that the set ofcomponents remains accessible despite the failure.
 6. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 1, the failure comprising a failureof a communication link between at least two of the set of components.7. A system for reconfiguring interrelationships between a set ofcomponents of a virtual computing network, comprising: a memory mediumcomprising instructions; a bus coupled to the memory medium; and aprocessor coupled to the bus that when executing the instructions causesthe system to: receive, in a computer memory medium, a set ofinformation pertaining to an entirety of the set of componentsassociated with the virtual computing network, the set of componentscomprising a set of physical servers, a set of ports, a set of virtualswitches and a set of virtual machines (VMs), and the set of informationdescribing a set of interrelationships between the set of components;generate, based on the set of information, a graphical representationdepicting a visual representation of each of the set of components and avisual link illustrating each interrelationship of the set ofinterrelationships between individual components of the set ofcomponents, the graphical representation comprising a hierarchical treecomprising a set of nodes, each node of the set of nodes in thehierarchical tree corresponding to a component in the set of components,the hierarchical tree being formed by: making, for each virtual localarea network (VLAN) in the virtual computing network, a first layer nodein the hierarchical tree; making, for each of the set of ports in thevirtual computing network, a second layer node and a link to acorresponding first layer node; making, for each of the set of virtualswitches in the virtual computing network, a third layer node and a linkto a corresponding second layer node; and making, for each of the set ofvirtual machines in the virtual computing network, a fourth layer nodeand a link to a corresponding third layer node; detect a failure in thevirtual computing network resulting in an inability to access a virtualmachine of the set of virtual machines; and automatically reconfigure,responsive to the failure, at least one of the set of interrelationshipsbetween the set of components based on at least one visual link in thegraphical representation and a predetermined set of rules.
 8. The systemof claim 7, the set of information being obtained from the set ofvirtual switches, and the set of information comprising at least one ofthe following: a set of routing tables, a virtual computing networkconfiguration port mapping, or a Media Address Control (MAC) address toa set of Internet Protocol (IP) tables.
 9. The system of claim 8, theset of information being further obtained from the set of virtualservers, and the set of information further comprising at least one ofthe following: a set of mappings between the set of VMs and the set ofvirtual switches, a set of mappings between the set of virtual switchesand the set of ports, or a set of mappings interbetween the set ofports.
 10. The system of claim 9, the virtual computing networkcomprising a virtual local area network (VLAN), and the set of portscomprising at least one virtual port and at least one physical port. 11.The system of claim 7, the set of rules comprising an ordered set ofcriteria for determining which interrelationships between the set ofcomponents to reconfigure so that the set of components remainsaccessible despite the failure.
 12. The system of claim 7, the failurecomprising a failure of a communication link between at least two of theset of components.
 13. A computer program product for reconfiguringinterrelationships between a set of components of a virtual computingnetwork, the computer program product comprising a computer readablestorage device, and program instructions stored on the computer readablestorage device, to: receive, in a computer memory medium, a set ofinformation pertaining to an entirety of the set of componentsassociated with the virtual computing network, the set of componentscomprising a set of physical servers, a set of ports, a set of virtualswitches and a set of virtual machines (VMs), and the set of informationdescribing a set of interrelationships between the set of components;generate, based on the set of information, a graphical representationdepicting a visual representation of each of the set of components and avisual link illustrating each interrelationship of the set ofinterrelationships between individual components of the set ofcomponents, the graphical representation comprising a hierarchical treecomprising a set of nodes, each node of the set of nodes in thehierarchical tree corresponding to a component in the set of components,the hierarchical tree being formed by: making, for each virtual localarea network (VLAN) in the virtual computing network, a first layer nodein the hierarchical tree; making, for each of the set of ports in thevirtual computing network, a second layer node and a link to acorresponding first layer node; making, for each of the set of virtualswitches in the virtual computing network, a third layer node and a linkto a corresponding second layer node; and making, for each of the set ofvirtual machines in the virtual computing network, a fourth layer nodeand a link to a corresponding third layer node; detect a failure in thevirtual computing network resulting in an inability to access a virtualmachine of the set of virtual machines; and automatically reconfigure,responsive to the failure, at least one of the set of interrelationshipsbetween the set of components based on at least one visual link in thegraphical representation and a predetermined set of rules.
 14. Thecomputer program product of claim 13, the set of information beingobtained from the set of virtual switches, and the set of informationcomprising at least one of the following: a set of routing tables, avirtual computing network configuration port mapping, or a Media AddressControl (MAC) address to a set of Internet Protocol (IP) tables.
 15. Thecomputer program product of claim 14, the set of information beingfurther obtained from the set of virtual servers, and the set ofinformation further comprising at least one of the following: a set ofmappings between the set of VMs and the set of virtual switches, a setof mappings between the set of virtual switches and the set of ports, ora set of mappings interbetween the set of ports.
 16. The computerprogram product of claim 13, the virtual computing network comprising avirtual local area network (VLAN), and the set of ports comprising atleast one virtual port and at least one physical port.
 17. The computerprogram product of claim 13, the set of rules comprising an ordered setof criteria for determining which interrelationships between the set ofcomponents to reconfigure so that the set of components remainsaccessible despite the failure.
 18. The computer program product ofclaim 13, the failure comprising a failure of a communication linkbetween at least two of the set of components.